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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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These Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks feature golden, crunchy breadcrumb coating surrounding perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. They’re healthier than deep-fried versions, incredibly easy to make, and taste absolutely amazing with marinara sauce!

  • Total Time: 51-83 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks (serves 4-6) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • 1½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with added seasonings)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For Serving:

  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
  • Ranch dressing (optional)
  • Garlic aioli (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your breading station: Set up three shallow bowls in a row. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (both regular and panko if using), Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
  2. Unwrap the cheese: Remove all 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks from their individual wrappers. If any are different sizes, try to use similarly-sized pieces for even cooking.
  3. Set up breading assembly line: Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, follow this crucial breading sequence:
    • First, roll the cheese stick in flour, coating all sides and shaking off excess. This creates a dry surface for the egg to stick to.
    • Next, dip it in the egg mixture, turning to coat completely and letting excess drip off.
    • Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure breadcrumbs adhere well and cover the entire surface. Make sure there are no gaps in the coating!
  4. Double coat for extra security (highly recommended): For the best results and to prevent cheese leakage, repeat the breading process. Dip each already-breaded mozzarella stick back into the egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs again. This double coating creates a thicker barrier that keeps cheese from escaping during cooking.
  5. Arrange and freeze: Place all breaded mozzarella sticks on a plate or baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 1 hour. This step is absolutely critical! Freezing firms up the cheese so it doesn’t melt and leak out before the coating gets crispy.
  6. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
  7. Prepare for cooking: Remove the frozen breaded mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Spray them generously on all sides with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This promotes that beautiful golden-brown color and crispy texture.
  8. Air fry in batches: Place 6-8 mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch (they need space for air circulation). Don’t overcrowd! Cook for 6-8 minutes at 390°F, flipping them halfway through cooking (at the 3-4 minute mark) for even browning.
  9. Check for doneness: The mozzarella sticks are done when the coating is deep golden brown and crispy. You might see a tiny bit of cheese beginning to ooze from the ends—that’s perfect timing! If they’re not brown enough after 8 minutes, add another 1-2 minutes.
  10. Repeat with remaining batch: Cook the remaining mozzarella sticks following the same process.
  11. Rest briefly and serve: Let the mozzarella sticks rest for 1-2 minutes after air frying (this lets the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all pour out on first bite). Serve immediately while hot and melty with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy that amazing cheese pull!

Notes

  • Freezing is mandatory: Don’t skip the freezing step or try to cook them unfrozen. The cheese will melt too quickly and leak out before the coating crisps up.
  • Double breading recommended: The double coating of egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker barrier and significantly reduces cheese leakage.
  • Air fryer temperature matters: Different air fryer models vary slightly. If your mozzarella sticks are browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t hot, reduce temperature to 370°F and cook a bit longer. If they’re not browning enough, increase to 400°F.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in unevenly cooked, soggy mozzarella sticks.
  • Size consistency: Try to use mozzarella sticks that are all similar in size for even cooking.

  • Author: Samantha Nelson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-60 minutes (necessary step)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 625mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://charmingsnacks.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/